The Live-Action Go-to-Guy’s P.O.V. on the Right Attitude

This isAdrien’s final post for the series “Getting the J-O-B”. He gives the view for the live-action film industry to follow up my article on The Right Attitude in animation. We’ve covered training, portfolios, professionalism and contacts in the industry. You’ll find the rest of the articles by myself and Adrien at the end of the post. – KJL

Sometimes, it’s really hard to keep up the brave face on a project. Even when it’s a great project, the production can take a real toll on you. Things get behind, you work stupid hours, and you’re not seeing your family. When your little one complains that you aren’t home much, it can be really hard to show up to work with a smile on your face.

There is no quick solution to this one.

And that’s just one example. There are so many things that can go wrong on a movie that can make your life a pure living hell.

I have never really run into anyone who had a particularly bad attitude on a movie. There are so much politics involved in making one, most of us realize that if we spout off crap all day, (especially about how the script sucks) we just won’t be workin’ on it very long.

You are replaceable.

Just remember that. Oh, and when you go take a leak, as you wash your hands, look in the mirror and say to yourself, “I get paid to draw pictures for f— sake. Life’s not so bad.” That always works for me.

I also recommend that you work on your own stuff to be fresh.

Make sure it’s very self-indulgent. A real project that you can sink your heart into. This will allow you to put some purpose into being a hand-slave all day. You can say there really is a reason you draw all day (and sometimes all night). And that is so you can have the luxury of making your own stuff.

The future is not in drawing boards, people!

The future…your future, is in IDEAS!

Have some and build on them. Take the money you earn from boarding and develop the ideas. Myself, I make movies. I spend my own money and that’s what I make. I’ve made 5 of them and they’ve made me no money! But dammit if I don’t love doing it.

Anything you like guy…maybe some cool drawing tips or if you have something to add about the whole free thing (the subject of protecting yourself with a contract came up…any advice?). Just fire it off to me…hell week is a-comin’ so I’d appreciate it too.
-K

Truly a gold mine of info. I’ve been into drawing, theatre and storytelling my whole life and have recently considered storyboarding. Reading about the reality and technical aspects of the industry has been a breath of fresh air, and rather exciting. So, thank you! Aspiring individuals need posts like these.